5 New Things We Know About Apple’s iWatch
We tuned in to WWDC hoping we would get some answers about the iPhone 6 and the Apple iWatch. But alas, we were left with nothing but questions, a big problem for some that’s just a little challenge for we, the rumor sniffer outters who can’t stop, won’t stop finding every mockup and likely-true suspicion the Internet has to offer. Today, we are serving up a fresh slice of Apple wearable news, with a sprinkling of specs and a scoop of when exactly you can expect to strap that bad boy (or gal) on your wrist.
1. The watch includes (more than) 10 sensors: Health, fitness, physical activity, biometrics and bodily functions — a slew of sensors are expected to be embedded in Apple’s smartwatch in order to track and monitor the data your body is producing. Expect a heart rate monitor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, maybe something to take your body’s temp, another to provide direction and GPS functions, but with over 10?! It’s time to think bigger… like maybe a sensor that can tell you when you’re dehydrated? Forget apps, there will soon be a sensor “for that.”
2. Your morning jog could charge it: A wearable should be wearable for more than a few hours without having to stop and plug it in. Otherwise, that little lifesaver on your arm is going to feel like a heavy inconvenience. Apple has long tinkered with solar charging batteries for their mobile devices and even the MacBook — so what about their watch? The Times reported that the company was also testing new ways to power it up using motion (that’s one way to motivate you to put the “activity” in your tracker!), the sun’s rays or inductive charging. We’ll take all, thanks!
3. We could see a true first look next month: While the expected launch isn’t until later this year (October, perhaps) the device might go into production as early as July, which means we’re due for a real deal sneak peek in mere weeks.
4. There will be an iWatch for all: Apple has a lot to prove with their highly-anticipated wearable entering a low-performing market that has seen just-okay sales, a giant recall and one of its biggest contenders axed. Rumors has it that the watch will come in different sizes, shapes and price points. So rumors of a round-face watch and those of a banded version could both be true. And that all means…
5. The iWatch may be wearable after all: Especially with the huge success of Ringly (who hit their presale goal of $60,000 in under eight hours on their launch day) and new fashion-friendly wearables like Beacon & Lively buzzing onto the scene, it’s important for Apple to bring us something that we all want to wear. And, yes, by “we,” we mean women. We’re not willing to settle for another Glass situation up in here. But with different price points, and a whole ton of size and function speculation, all rumors are pointing toward a fashion-forward option.
Where do you stand on wearables? Would Apple’s be your first or are you already a wearable wearer? Share your thoughts with us below!
(Photos: Martin Hajek)